10 best movers in Erie, Colorado

The best long-distance mover for relocating out of Colorado is International Van Lines. For a local move in the Erie area, use the filters below to find other companies for your move.

Long-distance movers in Erie

A long-distance move is when you relocate from one state to another or more than 50 miles away. If you're moving across state lines, you should be especially careful that the moving company you choose has the necessary federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To confirm a carrier's licensing status, you can input the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

We’ve confirmed that the long-distance moving firms below are actively licensed. These experienced and reliable movers can help get you and your belongings safely and smoothly across state lines.

Featured

4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

Relocating within or out of Erie is relatively expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Erie is above 96.8% of the country.

Moving expenses add up fast, as there are many factors involved. Here are some common moving costs:

• Supplies
• Junk removal
• Fuel
• Packing
• Professional labor
• Storage

These extra considerations can cause your total moving cost to rise even more:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move oversized, valuable or fragile items. These items commonly are more expensive to move:

• Artwork and sculptures
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Pianos
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Safes

Ask movers if they move these items and charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers isn’t required, it’s common if your movers got your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for several reasons, including limited supplies, bad weather, transportation emergencies and traffic. These issues may increase the duration and cost of your move. Although delays are unpredictable, you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to reduce moving expenses in Erie.

Be communicative

Keep your movers informed about any changes to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items after getting a quote from the movers.

For example, your movers can likely add small items to the truck without issue, but large items — like new furniture or appliances — need to be discussed beforehand. Additional fees may apply for these items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve agreed to the charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Schedule your move in the off-season or during the week to lower the cost and reserve the movers you want.

Movers are busiest between May and September. Consider moving during other months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be less competition or lower moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you can't find a cheap moving service that meets your needs.

Handling the move by yourself is an option. Before going this route, consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Getting help from friends, family or neighbors for moving bulky items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. If you don't have the time or support system needed for a self-move, employing movers is valuable.

Hiring movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr is another alternative. Hiring hourly help can cost less, but independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in Erie

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will take care of the entire moving process. They provide packing supplies, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving is more expensive than standard moving services, which typically only cover the loading up and transport of your belongings. The price can be justified, considering the time and labor packers spare you, as well as the packing materials costs it covers. Full-service moving may also provide more comprehensive insurance coverage. Self-packed items are generally only covered for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods can be tough to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on formal filings like estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should check a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an interstate move by checking the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in Colorado are also required to have a license from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (Public Utilities Commission).

How does moving insurance work?

Review what insurance policies your movers provide. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're transporting valuable goods — just be aware that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The best moving time occurs from May to September, creating high demand for moving teams and significantly elevated pricing nationwide for all moves. The inflated summer rates may deter you from a move at that time of year. However, you may want to steer clear of moving in the winter as well, since Colorado's low temperatures and possible snowfall could have an adverse effect on your move.

We advise moving in the springtime or early autumn so that you have optimal weather conditions and more affordable pricing for services.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

On moving day, carry personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. Additionally, we recommend keeping any valuable electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Many moving businesses limit insurance coverage for expensive items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about potential loss or damage, take those priceless or irreplaceable possessions in your own car.

There are certain goods and materials that moving companies aren't allowed to move. These include the following:

• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Batteries
• Aerosols
• Perishable foods and produce
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Fertilizers
• Plants
• Fuel sources

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.